Jamaica’s first rallycross champion, Fraser McConnell made history over the weekend by claiming his first supercar win in the 2021 season of the RallyX Nordic in Denmark on May 1st.
The 22-year-old McConnell beat three-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson to finish at the top of the podium.
A report on the event website said McConnell’s win was achieved from the back row of the grid, and was just one of many spectacular stories on a spectacular day.
“McConnell’s bid did not get off to the best of starts when the Olsbergs MSE ace was forced wide at the beginning of Q1, but he responded magnificently in Q2 to run Kristoffersson to within just seven tenths-of-a-second of the top spot,” the report stated.
“At the scene of his first Supercar podium, the Jamaican progressed comfortably through to the final once again, and a lightning launch — allied to no shortage of bravery through the opening corners — saw him emerge from a chaotic Turn Two in the lead. It was an advantage that he would not relinquish.
“Big up, this is unreal!” the 22-year-old said.
“The quality of these drivers is incredible, but the level of Olsbergs MSE is unbelievable. We never give up, and whilst our pace was up-and-down all day, I gave it everything I had. I’m with the best team in the world, and I’m racing for the best country in the world. Big up everybody!” Fraser McConnell is quoted on the website.
“I was telling myself on the start-line for the final, even though you’re only in fifth, you can still do this. It’s rallycross – anything can happen. I kept it neat and knew there would be a little drama at the first corner. Like Andreas [Eriksson – OMSE CEO] told me, I had to take advantage of the other guys’ mistakes and that’s exactly what I did. I’m already looking forward to tomorrow, but right now I’m just so made-up!.” he said.
After the win, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Chairman of Sandals Resorts, Adam Stewart, and retired sprinter Usain Bolt were just some of the public figures to congratulate McConnell on his achievement.
McConnell said Jamaicans have supported him greatly and he is proud to represent the island.
“The support that I get… I can’t tell you how much it means to me, and how far it can take you in the sport. Every sponsor, no matter how small, is worth every penny. I’m trying to make them proud and I hope they will be happy with this result. This is the perfect start to the season!”
